Death of the dictionary, tech taking over

THE Oxford English Dictionary held significant importance in my life, and lives of many other Zimbabweans.

Dictionaries are a valuable and effective tool in teaching and learning the English language. ey enhance in-depth vocabulary knowledge and quality education.

In Zimbabwe, where English is widely spoken and taught, owning the Oxford English Dictionary demonstrated a commitment to language proficiency and cultural connection. It played a crucial role in fostering a love for learning, enhancing communication skills, and opening doors to opportunities in education and professional endeavours.

e Oxford English Dictionary, a revered book that has served as the definitive authority on the English language for centuries, is facing profound changes. On February 1, 1884, editors published the first volume of what would become the Oxford English Dictionary.

e Oxford University Press has announced that the long-awaited third edition may never be printed. Instead, it will be exclusively available in electronic form due to the internet's impact on printed dictionaries.

While the online version of the dictionary attracts significant traffic, with two million monthly visitors, the print edition published in 1989 has seen limited sales, with only 30 000 sets sold to date.

e advent of the internet has revolutionised the way we access and consume information, and dictionaries have not been spared from this transformation. e online version of the Oxford English Dictionary, available to subscribers for an annual fee, has become a popular alternative to its printed version.

With its convenience, accessibility, and searchability, the digital platform has become an invaluable resource for writers, students, language enthusiasts and ordinary people.

e shift towards online dictionaries brings with it several advantages. e digital format allows for continuous updates and revisions, ensuring that users have access to the most up-to-date information.

In contrast, printed dictionaries can quickly become outdated as language evolves. With the online version, new words and their meanings can be added promptly, reflecting the dynamic nature of language.

e cost-effectiveness of online dictionaries is a significant advantage. With a subscription model, users gain access to a vast repository of words, meanings, and historical usage at a fraction of the cost of purchasing a printed edition. is accessibility democratises knowledge, making it more affordable and available to a wider audience.

e searchability and cross-referencing capabilities of online dictionaries enhance the user experience.

Users can quickly search for specific words or phrases, making research and language exploration more efficient. Furthermore, the ability to navigate seamlessly between related entries and explore usage examples facilitates a deeper understanding of the language.

e decline in sales of the Oxford English Dictionary, a 20-volume set priced at US$1 165, highlights a broader trend in society.

e internet's ubiquity and the proliferation of digital tools have led to a decline in the usage and demand for printed dictionaries. Traditional reference books, once a staple on bookshelves, are being replaced by their digital products.

ere are several reasons for this decline. Firstly, the convenience and portability of digital devices make accessing online dictionaries effortless.

With smartphones, tablets, and laptops readily available, users can access a wealth of information with a few taps or clicks.

e ability to carry an entire library of knowledge in one's pocket diminishes the need for physical, space-consuming reference books.

Secondly, the speed of digital search engines allows for instant gratification.

Users can simply type a word or phrase into a search bar, and within seconds, they have access to a multitude of definitions, synonyms, and usage examples from various sources. e immediacy and breadth of information available online surpass what a printed dictionary can provide.

Furthermore, the internet offers a diverse range of language resources beyond traditional dictionaries.

Online platforms, such as Wiktionary, Urban Dictionary, and specialised language forums provide alternative sources of information and foster collaborative language exploration.

While the advantages of online dictionaries are undeniable, the demise of the printed Oxford English Dictionary carries a sense of loss and nostalgia.

For generations, the physical presence of a dictionary on bookshelves symbolised knowledge, authority, and intellectual curiosity. Flipping through pages, stumbling upon new words, and tracing their etymology was an enriching experience.

e weight, texture, and history encapsulated in those bound volumes held a charm that cannot be replicated in the digital realm.

e physicality of the books served as a testament to their expertise, reflecting years of